"Reserved for Mothers of Infants..."

[TimeforMe]

(or something similar.) Does your grocery store have these designated parking spots in their lot? Mine does and for some reason, it annoys the heck out of me. I really just don't get the concept of why they need a designated spot. Is it because they can't walk too far to enter the store? Am I missing something? It's not like they're handicapped or something.

P.S. I don't intend to "offend" any mothers of infants -- I was one myself not all that long ago.

 

[princesspumpkin]

Although I understand the reasoning behind it, I don't like it when it says "mother" instead of parent.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I have wondered this myself. And there always way more of them than handicapped spaces. I have defintely scratched my head over this one.

 

[Pamlur]

Ours has spaces for expectant mothers and mothers of infants and small children. I'm a grandmother, but I think it's great.

Oops! I typed too slowly, didn't I? Our store only has a couple of these, and a lot more of the handicapped spaces.

 

[jenfur]

It doesn't bother me because its not mandatory like handicapped parking. Its usually expecting mothers and mothers of small children around here. I can see why a mother in the third trimester might not want to walk through a crowded parking lot. I know just walking anywhere the last few weeks can be painful. For small children, I would rather know they can park close than have one mother worrying about several small children darting through the parking lot, it could be dangerous. I have a small child, but I never use the spaces. I usually park beside the cart return so I can go ahead and put him in it so I can push him in the store and its right there when I have to put him back in the car.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Then there is my SIL who thinks having children entitles her to any and all handicapped spaces, no matter where she is. Because she is the ONLY person in the store with kids, you know.

 

[va32h]

I appreciated the spaces when I was at the end of my pregnancy and it was uncomfortable to walk.

Our Tom Thumb store has two such spaces, and at least 8 handicapped spaces. I have never encountered a store that had more "stork" spaces than handicapped spaces. Aren't there laws regarding the number of spots that have to be designated handicapped?

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I never understood the purpose behind the reserved for expectant mothers spots. Aren't pregnant women supposed to get a lot of exercise by walking? They should make those spots the farthest from the store.

I'm jk...don't jump down my throat.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

We have a store here that has it for moms-to-be!
I never used it though,seemed silly for one group of people to warrant a space when others don't-thinking maybe if they had one that said--------
For beleagured moms----I might give it a shot!

 

[JVL1018]

My grocery store has 2 spots for "customers with infants or toddlers"
I think it's fine, I used to use them. Hauling that infant carrier more than 10 feet used to kill me. LOL They could have put it next to a cart corral instead of near the store itself and I would have appreciated that as well.

Lindsay-They do have more handicapped spots(I think there are 6), and the handicapped spots are in a better spot-(the spots for people with babies came years after the handicapped spaces were already designated.), if that wasn't the case, I would have a problem with them. They should never take away from those who truly need it.

 

[RitaZ.]

I haven't seen those around here, but I always park far away from the entrance. It wouldn't bother me.

 

[Blondy876]

I love them. I don't always use them but it is really nice to be close if it's raining or incredibly hot. And this is going to sound stupid but I feel a bit safer using them. They are close to the entrance of the store so there are usually a lot of people around and they are well lit, it makes me feel better when I'm getting my dd into her carseat. We had a couple of carjackings not too long ago where, while the mother put the baby in the carseat they were attacked. In one case the mother was robbed and the car stolen with the baby in it, it ended safely thank goodness. I know I sometimes feel vulnerable when I have my back turned to put the baby in.

When I was pregnant they were nice too if I had a cart full of groceries. Those carts get really heavy, even worse if you have a big belly in the way.

 

[scifihippie]

Our grocery store has two spots for expectant and new moms and about 8-10 handicapped spots. As a new mom, they are very much appreciated. During the first trimester I was so sick, just having to walk very far was exhausting and the last trimester was even worse. Now that I have a little one, it's nice to not have to walk very far carrying him.

It's also a play to a grocery store's primary customers. Most shoppers are women and the more kids you have, the more you'll be spending in the store.

 

[jennobrn01]

When you are 40 weeks pregnant in the heat of August with a 2 year old in tow it is very very nice! That was me last year. I think it is a very courteous business practice. Don't knock it until you have been there.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I admit that I made good use of the spaces reserved for customers with babies when my dd was a baby. Too bad I can't get away with it anymore now that she's 5.

 

[aprilgail2]

My grocery store has 2 spots for "customers with infants or toddlers"
I think it's fine, I used to use them. Hauling that infant carrier more than 10 feet used to kill me. LOL They could have put it next to a cart corral instead of near the store itself and I would have appreciated that as well.

Lindsay-They do have more handicapped spots(I think there are 6), and the handicapped spots are in a better spot-(the spots for people with babies came years after the handicapped spaces were already designated.), if that wasn't the case, I would have a problem with them. They should never take away from those who truly need it.

Our stores have 2 for parents with infants and at least a dozen handicap spots. Half the people that use the handicap spots dont' really even need them. I know people who use the ones they have for their kids even when the kids are not with them. People that use their grand parents etc. I have NO problem with those that need them using them, but they really need to have a way to stop all the fakes from using them and taking them away from the people that truly need them.

 

[TimeforMe]

Don't knock it until you have been there.

Hmmm. Not knocking it all and I have "been there". I just find it odd. Why not special parking for those with emphysema or overweight people or those that are afraid to park too far away, etc. I don't know. I think one of the posters was onto something when they mentioned it's more of a marketing tool than anything else. I'm not saying it's not a nice gesture or that it's not courteous, I just don't get why they single our new or expectant moms.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Okay, I feel dumb. We have those spaces in most of the malls and shopping center lots around Richmond and it seems that the space is always the one right next to the Handicapped space which is surrounded by those areas of pavement painted with lines. I always figured they opened those spaces up to women with infants and small children to make it easier for them to get the kids in and out of car seats and carriages - you know, have more room to maneuver since there isn't another car parked 12 inches from your door. Not having to walk as far works too. I never look for the easy reason.

 

[TimeforMe]

Obi-Wan--Don't feel dumb. You may be absolutely right! At least that would make sense and be a rational explanation.

 

[Tracey1974]

Babies R Us has the expectant moms spaces and Wegman's has the parents with children spots. There are a TON of parent spots at Wegman's. When I was pregnant with DS, I still parked there. It is a convenience, not something I would think I would be entitled to but it is nice!